Laboratory von H\'amos X-ray Spectroscopy for Routine Sample Characterization

TL;DR

This paper introduces a cost-effective, easy-to-operate laboratory von Hamos X-ray spectrometer capable of high-resolution measurements, enabling routine element-specific analysis without reliance on synchrotron facilities.

Contribution

The authors develop a novel laboratory high-resolution von Hamos X-ray spectrometer that provides rapid, high-quality spectral data comparable to synchrotron sources, with low operational costs and maintenance.

Findings

Achieved synchrotron-grade signal-to-noise ratios in laboratory conditions.

Demonstrated capability for tracking chemical transformations over days.

Validated the spectrometer's effectiveness for both absorption and emission measurements.

Abstract

High energy resolution, hard X-ray spectroscopies are powerful element selective probes of the electronic and local structure of matter, with diverse applications in chemistry, physics, biology and materials science. The routine application of these techniques is hindered by the complicated and slow access to synchrotron radiation facilities. Here we propose a new, economic, easily operated laboratory high resolution von H\'amos type X-ray spectrometer, which offers rapid transmission experiments for X-ray absorption, and is also capable of recording X-ray emission spectra. The use of a cylindrical analyzer crystal and a position sensitive detector enabled us to build a maintenance free, flexible setup with low operational costs, while delivering synchrotron grade signal to noise measurements in reasonable acquisition times. We demonstrate the proof of principle and give examples for both measurement types. Finally, tracking of a several day long chemical transformation, a case better suited for laboratory than synchrotron investigation, is also presented.